“Make your verbs work!” My two cents worth for corporate types and writer wannabes attending my Effective Writing seminars.
For example, instead of, “She is fond of surfing,” write, “She loves to surf.” Why not this: “The sun shone,” in place of, “The sun was shining.”
Verbs trapped beneath “is”, “are”, “-ing” weaken your writing; so as much as you can, activate them to make your prose livelier, flowing, and thus easier to read.
With that tiny grammar tip, let’s segue to my main point:
Do you know that we can also trap God’s word, making it of no effect or passive in our lives? Yet, the Bible says that the Word of God is alive and active. The Word sees action in the believer.
We may call ourselves Christians but is His Word demonstrated through us?
“My son, if your receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom, and inclining your heart to understanding…” (Proverbs 2:1-2) “then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (verse 5)
We may know the drill. Read the Bible. God to church. Listen to preachings. Pray.
We even share and read verses. Words, words, words!
We’re bombarded by biblical blogs and vlogs. (Like what I often do! 😊) Worship songs accompany our driving.
Yet, do they see Jesus in our actions, in our attitude, in the way we treat others?
To reflect on Jesus, one must first be His son—verse 1, “My son…”
We become sons of God through Jesus alone! John 1:12—But to all who did receive Him, who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
Sonship is a gift He confers on those who trust in Him and bow down to His Lordship. No one else should come close.
It is a privilege that we must handle with care and awe. Only then can we acquire wisdom and thus be upright, doing what is right by Him, even if everyone goes the opposite way, as the rest of Proverbs 2 teaches.
Proverbs 2 outlines the following keys to activating the Word in us:
- Treasure His commandments, v 1.
Have you hidden His teachings in your heart so that when tempted, your auto-mode is to cling to Him? You obey Him no matter what because you’ve been assured: He’s for you, not against you. And He’ll give you the victory. - Make your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding, v 2.
Activate your ears too. Be quick to listen to His voice. - Call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, v 3.
Pray. Cry out to Him. He’s online 24/7! He never takes a break or has a tantrum or a bad hair day. - Seek His Word like silver or hidden treasure, v 4.
Miners tear through tons and tons of earth for precious diamonds and rubies. Dig, dig, dig. That too is how you get a revelation of God’s Word—His greatness, His promises, His perfect will and plan for you.
You are the light of the world, says Jesus. Light hidden from view makes darkness still dark. Drive without your car lights on at night. You’ll not only endanger pedestrians and oncoming cars; they’ll even curse you. Sadly, many unbelievers call Christians out—because their lights flicker!
Would you choose today to be light? Then be His son first.
Pray: Jesus, I confess you as my Savior and Lord. Forgive me for my sins. Holy Spirit, guide me, lead me and teach me. Activate your Word in me. in Jesus’ mighty name.
